Thurs., Feb. 23
Mt. 2: 13. FLEE!
Joseph was warned in a dream: run for your life! Now that we have the Gospels and Epistles, the need for angelic warnings isn't so common. Paul declares, “Flee from immorality” (I Cor. 6: 18). Paul later warns us, “...Flee youthful passions...” (2 Tim. 2: 22).
Where do we flee; what is our refuge? Not Egypt, no. Rather, the Timothy passage continues, “...pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”
Notice, that the antidote to evil isn't running away from so much as it is running toward! What a positive mindset! Reminds me of the saying, If you aim at nothing, you'll succeed at nothing. Paul aims us at high goals, the goals for a lifetime pursuit.
Please notice that Paul not only offers us goals of righteousness, faith, love, and peace, but he continues “...along with those who call on the Lord...” That's right, this is a group project. As the author of Hebrews said, “Consider how to stir up one another to good works...” (Hebrews 10: 24). Yes, let us come together, pursuing right living, deep faith, godly love, and spiritual peace. May this Lenten time bring us together as a united body, looking to see Godly fruit coming to ripeness in one another, and encouraging one another with joy and gladness and praise!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for warning me to flee, and for giving such a great set of goals to run toward. Encourage me by Your Spirit, and, in turn, help me to be a good encourager of my brothers and sisters. Amen.
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